According to the National Sleep Foundation, children spend 40% of their childhood asleep. Sleep is crucial for a child's mental and physical development. A child who is well-rested also tends to be a happier and calmer child. A lack of sleep not only negatively impacts development, but it can also increase the potential for temper tantrums, opposition and whining - all of the behaviors that make life more difficult for parents! As, I have talked about before, a child's behavior is their way of communicating. If you notice an increase of challenging behaviors could it be due to lack of sleep? If so, there could be many factors interrupting their sleep such as reaching developmental milestones; separation anxiety; nightmares; a change in routine and of course teething.
I have first hand knowledge (as I am sure most parents do) of how a lack of sleep can impact my child's behavior. In the past couple weeks, a combination of a busy social calendar, early morning wakings and missed naps due to a new developmental milestone of climbing out of the crib (a separate blog for another day) has translated into a clingy, whiny, tantruming toddler and parents with dwindling patience. I took the sleep routine for granted and let a few things slide - no more! My priority is shifting back to sleep. We are back to a low key schedule, a consistent routine and strict bedtime and nap times. Hopefully this will translate into some rest and peace for all!
For additional sleep tips and to see how much sleep your child should be getting at his/her age go to: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/children-and-sleep.
Happy Sleeping!
I have first hand knowledge (as I am sure most parents do) of how a lack of sleep can impact my child's behavior. In the past couple weeks, a combination of a busy social calendar, early morning wakings and missed naps due to a new developmental milestone of climbing out of the crib (a separate blog for another day) has translated into a clingy, whiny, tantruming toddler and parents with dwindling patience. I took the sleep routine for granted and let a few things slide - no more! My priority is shifting back to sleep. We are back to a low key schedule, a consistent routine and strict bedtime and nap times. Hopefully this will translate into some rest and peace for all!
For additional sleep tips and to see how much sleep your child should be getting at his/her age go to: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/children-and-sleep.
Happy Sleeping!
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